www.SeminarsTopics.

com
DOMESTIC LPG REFRIGERATOR


ABSTRACT
Domestic refrigerators annually consume approximately 17,500 metric
tons of traditional refrigerants such as Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) and
Hydroflourocarbon (HFC) which contribute to very high Ozone Depletion
Potential (ODP) and Global Warming Potential (GWP). Good progress is being
made with the phase out of CFC 22 from new equipment manufacture by
replacing LPG since it possesses an environmentally friendly nature with no ODP.
LPG is expected to results in comparable product efficiencies based on its
characteristics. Therefore, this two types of refrigerants (LPG and CFC 22) to be
examined using a modified domestic refrigerator in term of their performance
characteristics parameters such as pressure and temperature at specified
location at the refrigerator and the safety requirements while conducting the
experiment. Based on the present work, it is indicate that the successful of using
LPG as an alternative refrigerant to replace CFC 22 in domestic refrigerators is
possible by getting LPG COP as 13 compared to 10 for CFC22.

INTRODUCTION


In India, more than 80% of the domestic refrigerator utilize HFC 134a as
refrigerant, due to its excellent thermodynamic and thermo physical properties.
But, HFC 134a has a high global warming potential (GWP) of 1300. There is a
need of assess various refrigerant option considering the existing refrigerators in
the field and for the future market.

CFCs are principally destroyed by ultraviolet radiations in the
stratosphere; the chlorine released in the high stratosphere catalyzes the
decomposition of ozone to oxygen; and ultraviolet radiations penetrates to
lower altitudes. Credible calculations of the magnitude of the effect (Hoffman
1987) and his team predicted 3% global ozone emissions of 700 thousand
www.SeminarsTopics.com
tonnes/year after a hundred years. The ozone impact of car air conditioners also
can not be ignored. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) can be thought of as a
replacement, but unfortunately the radiation properties of HFCs like R-134a
make them powerful global warming agents. HFC 134a and the HC blend have
been reported to be substitutes for CFC 12, but they have their own drawbacks
in energy efficiency, flammability and serviceability aspects of the systems. HFC
134a is not miscible with mineral oil, and hence, polyol ester oil is recommended,
which is highly hygroscopic in nature. This hygroscopicity demands stringent
service practices, which otherwise results in moisture entry into the system.

Thus, hydrocarbon refrigerants; particularly LPG serves as the best contender to
replace CFCs from domestic refrigerator as well as car air conditioners.

LPG consists mainly of propane (R-290) and butane (R-600), and LPG is
available as a side product in local refineries. In Cuba for already several
decades LPG is used as a drop-in refrigerant. LPG mixtures have composition of
a commercial LPG mixture suitable as drop-in replacement for R-12 was
calculated crudely as 64% propane and 36% butane by mass. Liquefied
petroleum gas (LPG) of 60% propane and 40% commercial butane has been
tested as a drop-in suitable for R 134a in a single evaporator domestic
refrigerator with a total volume of 10 ft3.



PROPERTIES

o Colourless.
o Odourless. (Its normal to odorise LPG by adding an
o Odorant prior to supply to the user, to aid the detectionof any leaks).
o Flammable.
o Heavier than air.
o Approximately half the weight of water.
o Non-toxic but can cause asphyxiation.
o LPG expands upon release and 1 litre of liquid will form approximately 250
litres of vapour.

A Good Mixture : LPG is mainly Propane (C3H8), Butane (C4H10) or a mix
of Propane/Butane. Since LPG has such a simple chemical structure, it is
among the cleanest of any alternative fuel.


Boiling Point : LPGs boiling point ranges from -42 C to 0 C depending on
its mixture percentage of Butane and Propane.
www.SeminarsTopics.com


Combustion : The combustion of LPG produces carbon dioxide (CO2) and
water vapour but sufficient air must be available. Inadequate appliances
flueing or ventilation can result in the production of carbon monoxide
which can be toxic.


Vapour Pressure: LPG is a stored as a liquid under pressure. It is almost
colourless and its weight is approximately half that of an equivalent
volume of water. The pressure inside a closed container in which LPG is
stored is equal to the vapour pressure of the liquid and corresponds to its
temperature.


Ignition Temperature: The temperature required to ignite LPG in air is
around 500 C.


Calorific Value: The calorific value of LPG is about 2.5 times higher than
that of main gas so more heat is produced from the same volume of gas.


Toxicity : LPG is a colourless, odourless and non-toxic gas. It is supplied
commercially with an added odorant to assist detection by smell.LPG is
an excellent solvent of petroleum and rubber product and is generally
non-corrosive to steel and copper alloys.


Safety : LPG is just as safe as any other fuel. In fact, it is safer than most
fuels because neither LPG itself nor the end products that are produced
by burning LPG in a suitable appliance are poisonous to inhale. Since LPG
cannot burn without air, there can never be a Flash-back into the
cylinder.

You can feel safe with LPG as the most through precaution are taken
to ensure your safety. All you have to do is to handle it correctly whilst adhering
to the simple instructions provided.


Propane : suitable for use in all conditions. It is the only
LPG product suitable for cold climates (such as the UK and
Canada) because of its low boiling point of -43.6 F
(-42 C).
www.SeminarsTopics.com

Butane : suitable for use in hot climate only because of its
higher boiling point of 22.9 F (-5 C).

Propane/Butane mixtures : suitable for use in moderate
Climates

THE LPG REFRIGERATION CYCLE


i. LPG Gas Cylinder: The LPG gas cylinder, LPG flows through the pipe and
reaches to the capillary tube. LPG gas pressure is approximate 80-100 psi.

ii. Capillary Tube:As the capillary tube, capillary tube downs the pressure up
to less than 1 psi.

iii. Evaporator:In the evaporator LPG is converted into the vapour from with
low pressure. After passing through the evaporator low pressure and
temperature LPG vapour absorbs heat from the chamber system.

iv. Gas Burner:After performing the cooling effect, low pressure LPG gas goes
into the burner where the burns.
PARTS OF REFRIGERATORS


LPG GAS CYLINDER

LPG is Liquefied Petroleum Gas. This is general description of Propane (C3H8)
and Butane (C4H10), either stored separately or together as a mix.
This is because these gases can be liquefied at a normal temperature by
application of a moderate pressure increases, or at normal pressure
by application of LPG using refrigeration. LPG is used as a fuel for domestic,
industrial, horticultural, agricultural, cooking, heating and drying
processes. LPG can be used as an automotive fuel or as
propellant for aerosol, in addition to other specialist applications. LPG
can also be used to provide lighting
through the use of pressure lanterns.

CAPILLARY TUBE

www.SeminarsTopics.com
The capillary tube is the commonly used throttling device in the domestic
refrigeration. The capillary tube is a copper tube of very small internal
diameter. It is of very long length and it is coiled to several turns
so that it would occupy less space. The internal diameter of the
capillary tube used for the refrigeration applications varies from 0.5
to 2.28 mm (0.020 to 0.09 inch). The capillary tube is shown in
picture. When the refrigerant enters in the capillary tube, its pressure
drops down suddenly due to very small diameter. The decrease in pressure of
the refrigerant through the capillary depends on the diameter of capillary and
the length of capillary. Smaller is the diameter and more is the length of capillary
more is the drop in pressure of the refrigerant as it passes through it.

EVAPORATOR

The evaporators are another important parts of the refrigeration systems. It
through the evaporators that the cooling effect is produced in the refrigeration
system.It is in the evaporators when the actual cooling effect takes place in
the refrigeration systems. For many people the evaporator is the main part of
the refrigeration system, consider other part as less useful. The evaporators
are heat exchanger surface that transfer the heat from the substance to
be cooled to the
refrigerant, thus removing the heat from the from the substance. The
evaporators are used for wide variety of diverse application in
refrigeration and hence the available in wide variety of shape, sizes
and designs. They are also classified in different manner depending on the
method of feeding the refrigerant, construction of the evaporator, direction of
air circulation around the evaporator, application and also the refrigerant
control.

In the domestic refrigerators the evaporators are commonly known as freezers
since the ice is made in these compartment.

In the evaporators the refrigerant enters at very low pressure and
temperature after passing through the capillary tube. This refrigerant absorbs
the heat from the substance that is to be cooled so the refrigerant
gets heated while the substance gets cooled. Even after cooling the substance
the temperature of the refrigerant leaving the evaporator is less than the
substance.

In the large refrigeration plants the evaporator is used for chilling water. In such
cases shell and tube type of heat exchanger are used as the evaporators. In
such plants the evaporators are classified as:

www.SeminarsTopics.com
(1). Dry expansion type of evaporators
(2). Flooded type of the evaporators

The evaporators are classified based on the construction as:

(1). Bare tube evaporators
(2). Plate surface evaporators
(3). Finned evaporators
(4). Shell and tube evaporator
(5). Shell and coiled evaporator, and
(6). Tube-in-tube evaporator

The evaporators are classified based on mode of heat transfer

(1). Natural convection evaporator, and
(2). Forced convection evaporator

The evaporators are classified based on operating conditions

(1). Frosting evaporator,
(2). Non-frosting evaporator, and
(3). Defrosting evaporator

PRESSURE GAUGES

Many techniques have been developed for the measurement of pressure
and vacuums. Instruments used to measure pressure are called pressure gauges
or vacuum gauges.A manometer could also referring to a pressure
measuring instrument, usually limited to measuring pressures near to
atmospheric. The term manometer is often used to refer specifically to liquid
column hydrostatic instruments.


STAINLESS STEEL PRESSURE GAUGE

Catering to the requirements of to power and allied Industry, we offer
quality array of stainless steel, weather proof pressure gauges.
Renowned for offering resistance in corrosive environments and modes, these
find wide application in power generation, pollution control equipment,
chemicals and petrochemicals and also exploration. These gauges
are available in 63mm, 100mm, and 150mm sizes and can be customized as per
client.

www.SeminarsTopics.com

BOURDON GAUGE

A Bourdon gauge uses a coiled tube, which, as it expands due to pressure
increases cases a rotation of an arm connected to the tube.In 1849 the
Bourdon tube pressure gauge was patented in France by Eugene Bourdon.
The pressure sensing element is a closed coiled tube connected to
the chamber or pipe in while the pressure is to be sensed. As the gauge
pressure increases the tube will tend to uncoil, while a reduced gauge
pressure will patented France by Eugene Bourdon.

The pressure sensing el cause the tube to coil more tightly. This motion is
transferred through a linkage to a gear train connected to an indicating
needle. The needle in presented in front of a card face inscribed with the
pressure indications associated with particular needle deflections. In a
barometer, the Bourdon tube is sealed at both ends and the absolute pressure
of the ambient atmosphere is sensed. Differentials Bourdon gauges use two
Bourdon tubes and a mechanical linkage that compares the readings.



HIGH PRESSURE PIPES


The range of high pressure pipes covers most application where there is a
requirement to transfer gas at high pressure. They consist of a steel pipe with
a steel ball fitted to both ends. Two swivelling connection nipples
press these balls against the seating of the connecting hole and
thus sealing against gas leakage
Wide range of pipes.
All pipes are pressure tested to 100 M Pa (14,500 psi) over
recommended working pressure.

CONSTRUCTION OF THE LPG REFRIGERATOR

The LPGrefrigerator shown in figure. We make the one box of the plywood. The
plywood sheet size is 12mm for used the LPG refrigerator. The size of the
refrigerator is 724*457*381 mm3. The evaporator is fitted on the upper portion of
box inside.
www.SeminarsTopics.com
Inside the refrigerator, we also put the thermo-coal sheet, because of the cold
air cannot the transfer from inside to outside of refrigerator.


Fig 3.1 :- Construction of the LPG refrigerator


The schematically diagram of the LPG refrigeration system is shown in next
page. The gas tank is connect by pipes to the capillary tube. The capillary tube
is fitted with evaporator. The evaporator coiled end is connect to the stove by
another gas circulation pipe. When two pressure gauge is put between capillary
tube and gas tank, and another is put the end of the evaporator.
WORKING LPG REFRIGERATOR

The basic idea behind LPG refrigeration is to use the evaporation of a LPG to
absorb heat. The simple mechanism of the LPG refrigeration working is shown in
figure.



www.SeminarsTopics.com


Fig 3.2 Working of LPG Refrigerator



LPG is stored in the LPG cylinder under high pressure.
When the gas tank of regulators is opened then high
pressure LPG passes in gas pipe. This LPG is going by
high pressure gas pipe in capillary tube.

High pressure LPG is converted in low pressure at
capillary tube with enthalpy remains constant.

After capillary tube, low pressure LPG is passed through
evaporator. LPG is converted into low pressure and
temperature vapour from and passing through the
evaporator which absorbs heat from the chamber. Thus
the camber becomes cools down. Thus we can achieve
cooling effect in refrigerator.

After passing through the evaporator low pressure LPG
is passed through pipe by burner. And we can uses the
low pressure of LPG is burning processes.

www.SeminarsTopics.com
CAUSES AND PRECAUTION

Explosion in space Any refrigerant with vapour pressure above ambient
can flash to a larger volume. The potential increase in volume is greater if
combustion of lubricant or refrigerant occurs. Explosion venting may be
necessary to limit pressure rise to what the space can safely withstand. 2
kPa can blow window glass off a building.

Fire Combustible lubricant and refrigerant must be discharged safely
outside a building when a fire occurs especially if the heat of combustion
exceeds 200 MJ.

Asphyxiation or poisoning All refrigerants except air and oxygen are
asphyxiations. Ventilation must prevent serious injury or death on a sudden
total release of refrigerants. The quantity of ventilation necessary varies
greatly between refrigerants.

Flying metal System must comply with piping and pressure vessels codes.

Corrosion or chemical reaction LPG refrigerants are non-reactive and
chemically stable at refrigeration temperature.

Chemical or cold burns Accidental contact between skin and cold metal
must be prevented by insulation. Accidental releases of liquid refrigerant
must drain safely.







ADVANTAGE OF LPG


The advantages of LPG are as follows :

Clean burning.
Effects of corrosions are greatly reduced.
Instantly control the flame temperature.
Avoids scaling and decarburising of parts.
Environmentally friendly fuel, with minimal sulphur
www.SeminarsTopics.com
content and sulphur-free emissions.
Very high efficiency with direct firing system instant heat
for faster warm-up and cool-down.
LPG is easily liquefied and stored in pressure containers. It
can be easily transported in cylinder or tanks.


ADVANTAGES:

The cooling capacity of LPG is 10% higher than R-12 and the vapour
pressure is appropriate.
LPG is naturally occurring and non-toxic.
Use of LPG as a refrigerant also improves the overall efficiency by 10 to
20%.
The ozone depletion potential (ODP) of LPG is 0 and
Global warming potential (GWP) is 8 which is
Significantly negligible as compared to other refrigerant.
Apart from environment friendly, use of also LPG gives us lot of cost
advantages.
LPG does not form acids and thereby eliminates the problem with
blocked capillaries.
There is 60% reduction in weight of the system due to higher density of
LPG.
The fridge works when electricity off.
It is efficient to save fuel.
No pollution
The units are effectively silent in operation.
Running cost is zero.
Eliminates the compressor and condenser.



DISADVANTAGES:


LPG is explosive in nature.
Do not maintain constant pressure in LPG cylinder.
Put the LPG cylinder is inverted position.
After the refrigeration processes, the exhaust of LPG is burn into burner.
Because of the exhausted vapour LPG
www.SeminarsTopics.com
cannot converted again liquid phase , because the this process is very
costly.
The prevention of leakage of the LPG is the major problem in LPG
refrigeration system. Because of the LPG is highly flammable.

CONCLUSION:

After performing this project LPG Refrigeration, we conclude that refrigeration
effect is produced with the use of LPG.

From observation table, we conclude that, the regulating valve is fully open
that, we achieve the chamber temperature down from 38C to 10C in a 100
minute. We achieve the evaporator temperature down from 1C to -9.3C in a
same time interval.

We put the water in one plastic bottle in the evaporator. The initial
temperature of water is 35 C. From observation table, we conclude that, the
condition of regulating valve is fully opened, the same time period we achieve
the temperature of water is 0.30 C.

We also conclude that, the capillary tube is maximum pressure of gas cylinder
is reduces the less then of 1 psi. The capillary tube is more suitable throttling
device in LPG refrigeration system.

This system is cheaper in initial as well as running cost. It does not require an
external energy sources to run the system and no moving part in the system so
maintenance is also very low.

We also conclude that, we try the burnt to the exhaust LPG, the pressure of
exhaust gas is less than 1 psi, the small flame produce by the burner.

This system most suitable for hotel, industries, refinery, chemical industries where
consumption of LPG is very high.


BIBLIOGRAPHY :

http://www.hychill.com.au/pdf/pasolpgr.pdf
www.e-lpg.com
http://www.google.com/g
www.dynatempintl.com
www.lpgforyou.com
http://www.brighthub.com/engineering/mechanical.aspx
www.SeminarsTopics.com
http://coolingdevice.net/4.html
http://howstuffworks.com/refrigerator.htm
www.indiamart.com
A Textbook of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning by R.S.KHURMI &
J.K.GUPTA
Performance and safety of LPG Refrigerant, The University of New South
Wales, Australia.
Applications of Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Lesson 3, Version 1 ME,
IIT Kharagpur 1
A Textbook of Thermal Engineering, By R.S.KHURMI & J.K.GUPTA
Arora, C.P, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Tata McGraw Hill Company
Limited, New Delhi.